Do Big Brother contestants get paid​?

Big Brother contestants receive weekly compensation for their participation in the television show and the live feeds.

CBS’ reality television competition “Big Brother” premiered in 2000 and remains the longest-running installment of the global franchise. The show follows a format in which contestants, known as Houseguests, live isolated from the outside world for around ninety days. They are also constantly monitored via cameras and microphones placed around the house.

Houseguests compete in various challenges, form alliances with each other, and strategize accordingly to avoid eviction. Winners of competitions receive incentives, such as exclusive access to the Head of Household (HOH) room. In contrast, losing may result in penalties, including placement in the Have-Not category, which comes with restrictions like eating only slop, sleeping in the Have-Not room, and enduring other uncomfortable conditions.

How much do Big Brother contestants get paid per day?

Elena Davies, a Houseguest from “Big Brother- Season 19,” revealed on Jason Tartick’s podcast “Trading Secrets” that contestants receive a weekly stipend of $1000, which amounts to around $142 a day, as long as they film for the show. However, the amount may have increased in recent seasons. Unlike the participants who get evicted early in the show, Davies was sent to the jury house after her eviction and continued to receive stipend payments for the remainder of the season.

“Big Brother- Season 26” winner, Chelsie Baham, a non-profit director, took home the grand prize of $750,000. Makensy Manbeck, a construction project manager, was declared the runner-up and won $75,000. Tucker Des Lauriers, a marketing and sales executive, was voted America’s Favorite Houseguest and received a $50,000 reward.

How much do Celebrity Big Brother contestants get paid?

A spin-off of “Big Brother”, “Celebrity Big Brother” debuted on CBS in 2018 and has aired three seasons so far. Featuring well-known public personalities, this show offers higher compensation to Houseguests compared to “Big Brother.” Unlike the regular version, which conducts auditions to select contestants, “Celebrity Big Brother” invites celebrities to participate, ensuring them an agreed-upon appearance fee.

Several celebrities, including Ryan Lochte, Kandi Burruss, and Brandi Glanville, have competed on the show. A 2019 TMZ article stated that celebrity Houseguests receive $100,000 for their participation in the competition, with the season’s winner earning an additional $250,000.

The U.S. adaptation of “Celebrity Big Brother” offers lower compensation compared to its U.K. version. According to a 2017 TMZ article, American singer and songwriter, Ray J reportedly earned $1 million for his appearance in “Celebrity Big Brother” U.K. edition.

"Big Brother- Season 27" is set to air in the summer of 2025, with Julie Chen Moonves returning as host.